| Bull of the Woods Trail Route |
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| Bull of the Woods Trail   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: New Mexico, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 36.55670°N / 105.4164°W Route Type: Hike Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Walk Up
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| Page By: dsnell Created/Edited: Jan 6, 2003 / Jul 31, 2003 Object ID: 157562 Hits: 3839 Loading... Page Score: 81.3% - 6 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
The trail begins from the trailhead at the parking lot of Taos Ski Area, next to the large Wheeler Peak Wildnerness Sign.
Route Description
The hike up Wheeler Peak on the Bull of the Woods Trail is relatively straightforward in terms of routefinding, but the distance (8 miles one way) and sustained elevation gain can make it a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful hike through gorgeous New Mexico country.
The Bull of the Woods Trail can be hiked in a day, but be sure to be below tree line before afternoon thunderstorms roll in. In other words, an early start is essential.
From the trailhead, head Northeast on the heavily used Trail No. 90 The first mile or so of the trail is on private property, so be sure to stay on the trail. You will also encounter a number of confusing side trails, but simply stay on the widest, most worn trail and you will be fine. The first mile or so can be kind of a nasty slog, particularly if it is muddy. Take heart, though, as the trail is quite nice further up. Alan Ellis adds the following updated information: At least two of the confusing side trails have little signs indicating a horse trail. Ignore these and continue up the valley following the most well-worn trail.
The trail heads up along a creekbed in a fairly deep valley for the first two miles or so. As you emerge from the valley, you will encounter the Bull of the Woods Pasture, where good camping can be found. At this point, you also encounter a turn off for Trail 64 to Gold Hill (to the Northwest). After the turn off for Trail 64, the Bull of the Woods trail makes a sharp turn to the Southeast, and continues climbing up an old mining road. The road makes a few switchbacks as it gains elevation, but enventually turns into a trail and proceeds in a Southerly direction. As you continue toward the south, the trail begins to emerge from the trees.
At approximately 5 miles, the trail enters a small forest in La Cal Basin, the last treed area below Wheeler Peak. This is an excellent place for camping, and you can find water in a small stream nearby. After this forested area, the trail emerges from the trees again and enters a basin below Mount Walter, where you will likely encounter a number of marmots scurrying about the rocks. The trail makes a number of switchbacks as it climbs out of the basin and eventually reaches the summit of Mount Walter which, from below, is often mistaken for Wheeler Peak. From the top of Mount Walter, the trail continues along a wide ridge until it reaches the summit. From here you can relax and take in the views of the beautiful Sangre de Christos.
Essential Gear
The "Latir Peak and Wheeler Peak Wilderness" map, published by the Forest Service, is recommended for this, or any other hike, in the Wheeler Wilderness.
From late May through October, no technical equipment is required. Rain gear is recommended as the clear blue New Mexico sky can change to a raging thunderstorm in a matter of minutes.
When snow is present on the mountains, skis or snowshoes will be required for the approach. An understanding of basic avalanche awareness is also a good idea for winter ascents, as the hike up the basin below Mount Walter is suspect, particularly after heavy snowfall. An ice axe and possibly crampons would also be a good idea during this time.
Miscellaneous Info
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Images
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
